2024-2025 – Page 8 – DOVER ATHLETIC FC

Jake Leberl’s association with the club spans multiple roles and tenures. Leberl’s playing career included stints at clubs such as Crewe Alexandra, Margate FC, and AFC Wimbledon. He first joined Dover Athletic as a player in August 1997 and made nearly 200 appearances between 1997 and 2002. Leberl went on to win the National League with Dagenham & Redridge in 2007. Jake rejoined the Whites under then-boss Andy Hessenthaler in 2009 after he had been released by AFC Wimbledon. After retiring from professional play in July 2009, he transitioned into coaching and management. In January 2013, Leberl was appointed assistant manager at Dover Athletic, serving under Chris Kinnear for over five years. After a period away, he returned to the club in November 2023 as assistant manager and was promoted to the managerial role in December 2023. Jake achieved promotion back to the National League South at the first attempt in his first full season in charge.

Mike Sandmann has been a pivotal figure in the club’s development for over a decade. A UEFA ‘A’ License Football Coach since the age of 21, Sandmann began his coaching career with the Dartford Academy before joining Dover Athletic in 2010 as the Academy Manager. Under his leadership, the Dover Athletic Academy has flourished, producing numerous players who have progressed to the first team. Sandmann’s coaching journey also includes roles at Crystal Palace and Gillingham, where he contributed to youth development. In first-team football, Mike has managed Leatherhead FC and served as First Team Coach and Joint Manager at Margate FC. He has been involved with the First Team setup in a number of roles across the years.